In 1920, after some thirty nine years of problems with disease, high costs, and politics, the Panama Canal was officially opened, finally linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans by allowing ships to pass through the fifty-mile canal zone instead of traveling some seven 5 thousand miles around Cape Horn. It takes a ship approximately eight hours to complete the trip through the canal and costs an average of fifteen thousand dollars one-tenth of what it would cost an average ship to round the Horn. More than fifteen thousand ships pass through its locks each year.

10 The French initiated the project but sold their rights to the United States. The latter will control it until the end of the twentieth century when Panama takes over its duties.

1. Who currently controls the Panama Canal?(A) France(B) United States(C) Panama(D) Canal Zone2. In approximately what year will a different government take control of the Panama Canal?(A) 2000(B) 2100(C) 3001(D) 29993. On the average, how much would it cost a ship to travel around Cape Horn?(A) 1,500 USD(B) 15,000 USD(C) 150,000 USD(D) 1,500,000 USD4. In what year was construction probably begun on the canal?(A) 1881(B) 1920(C) 1939(D) 19995. What can be inferred from this reading?(A) This is a costly project which should be reevaluated.(B) Despite all the problems involved, the project is beneficial.(C) Many captains prefer to sail around Cape Horn because it is less expensive.(D) Due to all the problems, three governments have had to control the canal over the years.